Safety urged during Thanksgiving holiday

Whether hosting Thanksgiving at home or traveling somewhere else to celebrate the holiday, the South Dakota Department of Public Safety and its agencies remind the public that safety must be a priority.

For those staying at home, state Fire Marshal Paul Merriman said nationally, Thanksgiving is when the most home cooking fires happen every year. Merriman said it is important, at all times of the year, to have working smoke alarms on each level of the home

The Thanksgiving holiday also is a busy one on the highways. The Highway Patrol will conduct a statewide “Operation Safe” Wednesday to encourage people to be safe drivers, and Superintendent Col. Rick Miller said that troopers will be on the road throughout the weekend.

Miller said it is also important for those driving to stay focused.

The 102-hour holiday reporting period for motor vehicle traffic crashes begins at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday and ends at midnight, Sunday, November 27th.  The state Office of Highway Safety said last year in South Dakota during the same reporting period, there were 195 vehicle crashes resulting in 27 injuries and two fatalities.

While the weather should be good for travel, drivers are also encouraged to check road conditions by calling or checking 511 for information.

November 23, 2022